ISSN:
1432-1076
Keywords:
Key words Antioxidants
;
Carotenoids
;
β-carotene
;
Lycopene
;
Cryptoxanthin
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Carotenoids are important antioxidants and precursors of vitamin A, but only few studies have been carried out on plasma carotenoid levels in paediatric age groups. Using high-performance liquid chromatography we analysed concentrations of four important carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lycopene) in 129 healthy German children and adolescents (81 boys, 48 girls; age 1–18 years). For all carotenoids analysed, no significant differences between girls and boys were found. α-Carotene values ranged from 0 μmol/l (below detection limits) to 0.73 μmol/l (0–395 μg/l), β-carotene from 0.09 μmol/l to 2.68 μmol/l (48–1443 μg/l), lycopene from 0 μmol/l to 1.51 μmol/l (0–815 μg/l), and cryptoxanthin from 0 μmol/l to 0.30 μmol/l (0–164 μg/l), respectively. Data analyses according to age groups showed a tendency towards higher levels of α- and β-carotene, and lower levels of lycopene in young children. These differences were significant when children younger than 4 years were compared with those above 8 and 12 years, respectively. The data presented may serve as reference values for studies on children with nutritional disorders and diseases associated with a risk of vitamin deficiencies. Conclusion Carotenoids are important antioxidants and singlet oxygen scavengers. Plasma levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene and cryptoxanthin were determined in 129 healthy German children and adolescents. Highest values were found for β-carotene and lycopene.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004310050557
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